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Abilene board says terminal expansion remains on track despite higher first contractor estimate
Summary
Board members were told Lindbeck’s initial estimate exceeded the $70 million combined budget by roughly $10–$12 million, but staff and the architect said the figure is an early, negotiable estimate; phase 1 (boarding-area expansion) is expected to start in May if GMPs and scopes are finalized.
The Abilene Development Board heard on Monday that the planned terminal improvements remain on track, even after an initial contractor estimate came in above the project budget.
Randy Green, an agency official reporting for the airport, told the board that the full terminal project is budgeted at about $70,000,000 — a $20,000,000 city bond plus about $50,000,000 in FAA grants — but that Lindbeck’s first estimate exceeded that combined total by roughly $10 million to $12 million. Green said the architect and project team consider Lindbeck’s number a preliminary, negotiable first pass.
Green said the city and its design team are working to refine scope and value-engineer options so phase 1, which focuses on expanding the boarding area, can proceed. “This is their first take at the budget,” Green said. “We’re in the ballpark,” he added, noting the team expected to narrow costs over the next couple of months and present a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for phase 1 to the city council before work begins.
Why it matters: The terminal project is the largest capital effort discussed at the meeting and will affect passenger experience and airport operations for years. Board members pressed staff about timing, phasing and contingency plans to limit downtown city exposure to cost escalation.
Project funding and contingency: Green said approximately $13,000,000 in grant funds have already been set aside for phase 1, and that the city’s $20,000,000 bond allocation will contribute to the work. He cautioned that FAA grant rules do not permit budgeting an upfront contingency within some grant funds, although the city can use conservative escalation allowances and later request grant amendments to cover eligible overruns at closeout.
Schedule and next steps: Green said the team hopes to start phase 1 in May once design details and GMPs are finalized. The board was told Lindbeck is producing three package estimates (phases 1–3) and that later phases are likely a year or more behind the first phase.
Other airport updates: Green also reported the air tanker/aircraft ramp paving project is essentially complete and expected to be closed out in April. On commercial service, Green said new SkyWest/United flights to Denver and Houston are being promoted, with Phoenix service a potential later addition; the city manager authorized funds to hire an advertising agency experienced with United to run outreach campaigns timed to the service starts.
Board members will review the refined phase 1 GMP and supporting budget breakdown once staff and the contractor finalize the design and cost negotiations.
